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5 QUESTIONS with AskDaveTaylor.com Managing Editor Dave Taylor

By Alicia Wallace, Camera Business Writer

Posted:
11/05/2012 06:00:00 PM MST

Dave Taylor
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Boulder resident Dave Taylor, who also serves as a monthly columnist for the Daily Camera, in recent years has built a brand as a technophile, running a variety of different businesses that include writing, consulting, public speaking and video production.

The AskDaveTaylor.com managing editor recently answered five questions via e-mail about his "digital nomad" approach to his proprietorships.

The following has been edited for clarity and space.

1. What was your professional background before venturing solo?

I have two graduate degrees and started my career working for about five years at Hewlett-Packard, first in Fort Collins then out in Silicon Valley. Subsequent to that I've mostly run my own independent business, with a few interludes for startups and work at IDG on a national computer magazine.

2. Why did you decide to become a 'digital nomad?'

I was renting an office above Connor O'Neills for 18 months or so and one day realized I preferred working -- and was more productive -- when I was downstairs in the Brewing Market cafe. That decided it, and I abandoned my office and have been working out of coffee shops, spare desks in offices and my home ever since.

3. Alternatively, what are some of the biggest challenges or pitfalls you've faced, especially in the midst of the economic downturn?

Actually, I disagree with the overly broad, macro-economic "downturn" label because I know a lot of people here in Boulder who are doing quite well, better than they were a few years ago, and in the startup community, there are plenty of success stories and people making a good living.

My business is extraordinarily diverse, between writing, teaching, video production, public speaking and individual consulting gigs, but I'm doing very well and anticipate this to be a very good year for my business.

4. You've managed to build a brand during this time as a technology/digital source. What steps have you taken to build that brand?

Persistence. We live in an age where everyone wants instant results. Instant weight loss, instant hair, instant style, instant money. Building a business is a long game, and it takes a lot of giving to your community, a lot of time, before you can start reaping the benefit. I still donate a lot of time and expertise to various causes both in our local community and throughout the country to keep my brand in front of people.

5. What advice do you have for others wanting to take a similar leap?

Don't be afraid to start, and it's OK to start small. Just persevere and set yourself realistic goals for the near, medium and long term. If you start a writing career this week, you're not going to be driving a new Tesla by Christmas. Learn from others, attend networking events constantly, and always be asking questions about how you're doing and what you can do better to meet the needs of your customer.

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